Brooks and Brooks: Chessboard Making

 
John Brooks, Sr., of Johnson City, is a woodworker and woodcarver who has devoted over two decades to creating fine, handmade chessboards and game pieces. “A very good friend of mine Mr. Robert Delapp taught me the game of chess,” John says. “He was also a master artist of wood carving, painting, stained glass work, and other skills and talents. How he could shape the wood and the glass amazed me. I, myself, have been practicing for about 25 years.”

In part, John was motivated to by necessity. “Chess boards were a great expense for me. Over time I would go to different woodworkers or shops and ask for scraps. I would use these scraps to make the boards and pieces that I could then have. Many I eventually sold. Some of mine have sold for $500 and up, which amazed me when I started.” Like many excellent woodworkers, John feels deeply connected to the wood and the landscape from which it comes. “I love the art and skill of working with wood of all kinds. Taking a piece of wood and shaping it to become different and useful to the person seeing it. Finding the wood and knowing by feel, sight, and aroma, that this is art in the rough. I believe in paying close attention to your treasure so that you may use them as long as possible. I believe we live in God’s country and have his best most beautiful woods to work with.”

As part of the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program this year, John is teaching his son and apprentice John Brooks, Jr., his woodworking and woodcarving of chessboards. As a teacher, John Sr. emphasizes the time and devotion required to master such an art form. “This art is not an overnight finish. One must teach patience and perseverance in making what others throw away become art in your hands. My hand carved game pieces–not including the board–can take up to a month to design and carve. Though they are hand carved I strive for overall consistency. God’s love shows in his creation.”

An actor and storyteller, John Brooks, Jr., has long admired his father’s work and artistic determination. “I want to learn to put a board and pieces together as my father can,” he says. “I feel his intense looking for art in his work. He makes you feel that your hand can make the same art. I lived in LA for several years and moved back to Tennessee. I asked my dad to make me a board of natural driftwood. He somehow found the perfect piece to use. Watching him made me want to learn his skill.”

John Brooks, Sr., regularly shows his work at the Umoji Festival in Johnson City and at other art and craft festivals. Sharing the love of woodworking—and the love of chess—are intertwined in his motivation and in this current project. “Chess can get some kids off the streets. It can make them think more clearly. It can help seniors keep a sharper mind. And making the boards is building on your hidden skills. The game of chess has so many life-teaching values not to be ignored. This all takes patience.”

*This team is funded through a special partnership with the South Arts’ initiative In These Mountains: Central Appalachian Folk Art & Culture